Joshua 9:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel travels to the Gibeonite cities and finds them close at hand.
What Does Joshua 9:17 Mean?
Israel sets out and reaches the cities of the Gibeonites on the third day, confirming how near they truly were. The four cities are named: Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim, a cluster of towns within easy reach of the camp.
The specific naming of the cities makes the deception concrete and undeniable. These were no far-off settlements but a federation close at hand. The verse grounds the story in real places and real distances, underscoring just how thoroughly Israel had been misled by appearances they never paused to test against the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 9:17
What does Joshua 9:17 mean?
Israel travels to the Gibeonite cities and finds them close at hand.